James Lester DeRupa

James Lester DeRupa
June 5, 1933 – August 9, 2024
KNIGHTDALE – James Lester DeRupa graced the world with his presence and passed on from this life after 91 memorable years. He was born in Birdsboro, PA to the late James Joseph and Daisy Care DeRupa. James lived an impressive life as an automotive engineer, where he played a vital role in creating multiple patents in the automotive industry. James had a heart to always put his family first, always willing to care for them by any means necessary. He leaves pain and sadness in the hearts of many, a sadness they hope will somehow ease over time. Along with his parents, James was preceded in death by the love of his life, Carol DeRupa and his sister, Jane Sheetz.
He is survived by his children, Marci Lash (Robert), James Scott DeRupa (Theresa), and Beth Chartrand (Timothy); his grandchildren, Brittany Gurney (Sam), James Daniel DeRupa (Kira), Kelsey McPherson (Peter), Abigail Raver, Cade and Kale Chartrand; his great- grandchildren, Londyn DeRupa, Lily DeRupa, Garrett Gurney and Frances McPherson; his brother, Vincent DeRupa (Shirley), and his sister-in-law, Sandi Klink.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Grace Lutheran Church, 5010 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609 (https://gracelutheranraleigh.org/Giving/), or to Triangle Special Hockey Association, P.O. Box 80451, Raleigh, NC 27623 (https://www.betterunite.com/tsha-alwayson).
Arrangements are with Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, 211 W. Third St., Wendell, NC 27591. www.stricklandfuneral.com